It’s a strange holiday, this Thanksgiving thing. Did you know that even though the first Thanksgiving occurred in the early 17th, it wasn’t until Lincoln that the last Thursday of November was set aside for the holiday? Americans from the establishment of the Colonies through the Revolutionary War and establishment of the United States celebrated Thanksgiving whenever it suited their local or Federal desires. Not until 1863, did we as a single nation begin to sit together and give thanks.
In essence, it is supposed to be a religious holiday to celebrate the bounty and mercy of God, but like all other Western traditions Thanksgiving is muddled with secular pleasures. We drink, watch sports and parades, and prepare for the shopping onslaught of the next month. Thanksgiving is the gateway to Christmas and New Year’s Eve. It is also the day that many begin their annual charity.
The core traditions of Thanksgiving still hold. Like the Pilgrims, we gather together with family and friends. A table is set with our finest plates and stemware. Down the center of the table are epicurean delights like roast turkey, cornbread stuffing, cranberry relish, sweet and mashed potatoes, wine and beer, beans, and on and on. It is a feast for an army to feed a few.
It sounds cynical, I know. To be honest, I enjoy the holiday because of what it is: A day with friends and family. Strip away the religious trappings and historical controversies (think the effects of colonialism on native populations) and you have a day off from work that revolves around spending time with people you genuinely care for. Okay, maybe that is stretching it for some, but nonetheless this day is for feasting and friendship.
Today, I go to a friend’s home. She is laying out a traditional Thanksgiving feast. There will most likely be sports on the TV and wine in the glasses. We’ll eat until we burst, drink a little more than we should, and shoot the shit for several hours. Does it get any simpler or better?
In the spirit of the holiday, I’d like to list the things I am thankful for:
- Family that I want to spend time with.
- Friends that I will be spending time with.
- A job.
- A roof over my head.
- My relatively good health.
- A stable and sharp mind.
Happy Thanksgiving!
